What We Can Achieve Together:

The Associate Director of Development I (ADOD I) works as part of the Iowa Development team, partnering closely with Program staff in Iowa and across the organization on multi-year strategies for major gift prospects to raise philanthropic resources for The Nature Conservancy from corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors.

The ADOD I is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing long lasting relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies and moves management. They will be responsible for direct asks to both local and global priorities to meet funding needs. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts including planned gifts and trade lands. The ADOD I provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve and engage appropriate partners in the field and staff at the Conservancy’s Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They understand project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop proposals, work on program-wide task forces and manage formal or informal networks of volunteer trustees and other natural partners.

The Associate Director of Development I manages a portfolio 75-125 donors, including donors with the capacity to give a minimum of $100,000 once the relationships are developed. Responsible for 60+ visits and 150 – 200 additional moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.

This position is based in Iowa and may work out of a home and/or TNC office within the state of Iowa or Iowa-adjacent community. They will travel frequently within the state of Iowa and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Associate Director of Development I who is passionate about nature, fundraising and persuasively conveying TNC’s mission to diverse groups. You would be part of a team of development professionals cultivating relationships and gifts with our amazing donors. Come join us! The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or an equivalent combination.

• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.

• Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.

• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.

• Valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Ability to design and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation, and recognition plans.

• Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity, and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s work.

• Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.

• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteer leaders.

• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

• Working knowledge of charitable gift planning.

• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.

What We Bring:

Estimated salary range: $66,000 - $76,000 annually, based on a full time, 35-hour work week (benefits eligible), dependent on geographic location, qualifications, and experience.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!